Full Breakdown
Massive Fire Engulfs Historic Dalton Mills in Keighley
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Around 8 p.m. on Saturday night, a large blaze broke out at Dalton Mills, a Grade II-listed former textile mill on Dalton Lane in Keighley, West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue deployed twelve fire engines, while West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service established road closures and safety cordons around the site. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to thick smoke.
Background & Context
Built in 1869 by Joseph Craven, Dalton Mills was once the largest textile mill in Yorkshire, employing more than 2,000 workers. In recent decades the Victorian complex has become a popular filming location, featuring in series such as *Peaky Blinders*, *Downton Abbey* and the horror thriller *The Limehouse Golem*. The mill has suffered several major fires: a March 3 2022 inferno that required over 100 firefighters and caused more than £15 million in damage, a July 2025 fire that also saw twelve engines dispatched, and a serious incident in 2011.
Timeline
- 1869 – Dalton Mills constructed, replacing an earlier 1780s mill.
- March 3 2022 – Inferno left the building gutted; > 100 firefighters responded.
- July 2025 – Another major fire; twelve fire engines sent.
- Saturday, ~8 p.m. – Current fire reported; twelve fire engines on scene; road closures implemented.
Data & Statistics
- 12 fire engines deployed (official fire service statement).
- 150-year-old structure, Grade II listed.
- > 100 firefighters fought the 2022 blaze; similar resources mobilised in 2025 and the current incident.
- Road closures on Dalton Lane; cordons established for public safety.
Official Statements & Responses
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue issued a statement confirming the call at approximately 8:00 p.m. and the presence of twelve fire engines. The service asked nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed until further notice. West Yorkshire Police posted on Facebook that Dalton Lane was closed to all traffic and advised the public to stay away from the area while emergency crews worked to control the fire.
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses described the scale of the blaze. One driver on the A650 reported seeing dense smoke and described the fire as “unbelievable.” A local resident expressed sadness, noting the mill’s contribution to the film industry and the country. Another observer said the fire appeared to start on the top floor, with the roof collapsing before the floor gave way around 8:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The cause of the Saturday fire remains unknown; no official determination has been released. While multiple agencies are on site, details about the ignition source or potential injuries have not been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At approximately 8:00pm, we were called to a large fire involving Dalton Mills, Keighley. We currently have 12 fire engines at the incident as firefighters continue to tackle the large incident. ?” — Rescue
- “The roof had already gone, then we think the floor collapsed about 8:45pm to 9pm.” — Keighley
- “A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: "At approximately 8:00pm, we were called to a large fire involving Dalton Mills, Keighley.” — Rescue
These statements capture the fire service’s initial response and an eyewitness account of the fire’s progression.